Make 2014 Your Year to Achieve Career Goals

January 30, 2014

Now that we’re a few weeks into 2014, you may be reconsidering any New Year’s resolutions you made.

According to a study from the University of Scranton, 16 percent of people who make resolutions actually achieve them. That figure may appear discouraging but you can be one of those who achieve your goals for 2014.

Whether or not you call them New Year’s resolutions, goals can help you achieve what you want in your career – or in any area of your life. So if you haven’t yet set career goals for 2014, or if you would like some advice for setting goals at any time of year, here are a few tips to help you get started.

Decide what you want to achieve. It doesn’t matter whether you want to change a situation you are unhappy with, or if you have already achieved some success and hope to have even more in 2014.

Put your goals in writing. In her book Write It Down, Make It Happen, Henriette Anne Klauser says once you put a goal in writing, your brain gets to work on achieving that goal.

Make your goals specific and positive. For example: “In 2014 I resolve to get a 5% pay raise” states what you want to achieve and when you want to achieve it. It’s certainly a lot easier to work towards than a goal such as “I resolve to quit getting such lousy pay.”

If you’re not sure what career goals to set for yourself, here is a list of ideas. As you read through the list you will likely think of other goals you can set for yourself in 2014.

In 2014 I resolve to…

Learn at least one new job-related skill.

Attend a networking event and introduce myself to people.

Volunteer for a new project at work.

Organize my work space and files and keep them organized.

Get a promotion.

Get a raise.

Use all my vacation time.

Meet deadlines.

Win an award.

Serve in a leadership position.

Mentor someone who is entering the workforce.

Read at least one business bestseller book.

Research careers I am attracted to.

Choose a new career field.

Go on information interviews.

Clean up my social media profiles.

Update my resume.

Create personal business cards to use when networking.

Read the job ads in the Sun.

Contact employment agencies.

Apply for jobs.

Negotiate the salary and benefits I want.

Get hired for my dream job.

Find something to appreciate about my job every day.

Get to know the support staff at my workplace.

Notice the good things that my co-workers and boss do.

Be kind to customers, especially those who are having a bad day.

Say thank you to everyone who assists me.

Also consider taking a course that will help you in your current or future career. There are many excellent programs available in Calgary as well as online.

If you’re interested in non-traditional careers, check out a new site that was one of my own goals last year: www.iapcollege.com. There you will find certificate programs for a career as a wedding or event planner, image consultant, professional organizer, business consultant, interior decorator, personal shopper, etiquette consultant, and other dream careers.

I hope you achieve everything you want for 2014!

Women Entrepreneurs Honoured

Among the women who are achieving their dreams are the nominees for the 2014 Celebration of Achievement Awards from Alberta Women Entrepreneurs.

In 2012 the award went to Arlene Dickinson, CEO of Venture Communications and a star of the popular CBC TV show Dragon’s Den. 2013’s award recipient was Ruth Kelly, President and CEO of Venture Publishing Inc.

The nominees will be honoured during a reception at Edmonton’s Chateau Lacombe Hotel on January 30. For information and event tickets visit www.awebusiness.com/community/celebration-achievement-nominee-reception or phone 1-800-713-3558.

Tag Goulet is co-founder of FabJob.com, a publisher of books on how to get started in a dream career, and Academic Director of the International Association of Professions Career College. To contact Tag visit www.iapcollege.com.